What to expect as the 2022 Irrigation Show and Education Week heads to Vegas

The Irrigation Show and Education Week’s innovation hub offers attendees the chance to see the newest irrigation technology. (Photo: Irrigation Association)

The Irrigation Association’s (IA) Irrigation Show and Education Week returns to Las Vegas Dec. 5-9.

Stephanie Clark, IA’s vice president of strategic partnerships and business development, gave Golfdom the inside scoop on what to look for as the Irrigation Show takes on Vegas.

Bigger and better

Clark says the show offers superintendents an opportunity to see the newest in golf course irrigation technology in addition to extensive networking opportunities.

“This year, we wanted to increase the number of networking opportunities at the show. We’re back with the opening reception; a Women in Irrigation breakfast and a Young Professionals Networking Social.”

Unless they are invitation-only, access to networking events is included in the registration fee, which Clark says the IA has kept low in 2022. Registration before the event is $139 for non-members. That price nearly doubles for on-site registration.

Focused on innovation

The IA’s New Product Contest returns for its 20th year, spotlighting 30 new irrigation technologies.

Attendees can get a first-hand look at the products on the Irrigation Show website and on the trade show floor, where representatives will be on hand to answer questions.

In addition to the new product contest, attendees can stroll down Innovation Row, which features irrigation startup companies. Said companies will present during a five-minute live pitch competition for showgoers to watch.

Education connection

Education remains a focal point of the Irrigation Show in 2022. The IA will host its IA University Dec. 5-7, offering a variety of classes in irrigation troubleshooting, design, management, sustainability and more.

Location, location, location

The IA plans to take full advantage of the location of its Irrigation Show. Here are some of the things the IA has planned for attendees in Vegas: 

• One of the first events the IA has planned is its Viva Las Vegas welcome reception on Dec. 6. Clark says the event, held at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, will have plenty of Vegas-inspired decors, food and music. Those who attend will also receive a free drink and appetizers, courtesy of the IA and Smart Rain. She tells Golfdom the IA scheduled the event for the early evening (5-6:30 p.m.) so partygoers can still have their own Vegas experience outside the IA show.
• Heritage Landscape Supply Group will host a live concert at the House of Blues featuring the Turnpike Troubadours and The Band of Heathens, open to all show registrants. The event also includes food and drinks. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7.
• On the show’s final day, Dec. 8, the IA, in partnership with Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply, hosts its Craft Brewfest. The event allows showgoers to grab a craft beer and some appetizers while walking the show floor.